Ward 24, SGH

Treating patients as individuals is key to this inspiring group of people. Individually they each bring their own unique personalities to the ward, but the trust and rapport this team has with its patients is truly what makes them work. As one nominator said: “Patients immediately feel supported and safe in the care of this ward.”

Patients can often be on this ward for several weeks, so understanding individual patient needs is extremely important. Simple things really can make a difference such as ensuring their small kitchen is always stocked with snacks, as patients receiving chemotherapy don’t often eat at regular mealtimes, so having snacks available at all times means if a patient feels like trying to eat – even at midnight – then there is always something to tempt them.

The medical staff work very effectively as a multidisciplinary team, not just with their colleagues on SGH site, but on a frequent, planned basis with their colleagues in the rest of GGC and the West of Scotland. As and when required, they will even discuss cases with colleagues further afield such as at The Royal Marsden specialist cancer hospital in London. This gives patients enormous reassurance that their treatment is of a "best in the world" quality.

Anne Morrison, consultant haematologist, said: “I am proud and honoured to work as part of this team of special people, who recognise that our patients are individuals and care for them in that way.”